This post is full of inspirational ideas for decorating with nature!
I’m a strong proponent of the idea that nature is the best inspiration for interior home design. Outside our homes, we’re constantly surrounded by concrete buildings, asphalt streets, metal cars, and computers and phone screens, making it hard to stay connected with nature.
But connecting with nature is so essential to our mental and physical health, and sometimes we lose sight of that. Natural and nature-inspired decor also brings in a lot more charm and character than synthetic decor ever could, in my opinion at least.
So, how to bring nature indoors to your home? First, focus on the big basics, like the materials used for your floors, walls, and big furniture. Natural materials are super important for creating a grounded, sustainable, and healthier home.
Once you’re ready to bring in the decor accents, there is no better way to decorate than with nature! There are tons of easy-to-find, natural items that work beautifully as home decor. From foraged finds to DIY accessories to handmade products from small businesses, decorating with nature is an easy and low-cost way to bring the nature aesthetic into your home.
So, here are my top 16 decorating with nature ideas to inspire you!
16 Inspirational Decorating With Nature Ideas
1. Botanical gallery walls
A classic place to start is with botanical gallery walls! Bring in botanical posters, paintings, photos, and other accents like dried flowers and houseplants for a curated wall of nature.
2. Dried flowers in frames
A gorgeous wall hanging option is to get real wildflowers pressed and framed! It’s a super cure DIY project, or you can find them made for you in places like Etsy or local craft markets.
3. Pressed ferns
Like wildflowers, ferns can make for stunning decorations when pressed and dried. I find they can be a bit more neutral and cohesive if you don’t like all the different colours of wildflowers.
4. Dried flowers in vases
Flower bouquets are not my favourite type of decor because they are very unsustainable since they require a lot of water to grow, are usually transported long distances, and die after a few days. But dried flowers are an amazing alternative, because they are preserved and can last for years. They also create a beautiful, rustic and earthy look.
5. Hanging dried herbs
Another variant of dried plants, which is beautiful and functional, is dried herbs! These work best in your kitchen, of course, and other than looking great, it allows you to use the herbs for much longer than if you keep them in the fridge.
6. Driftwood decor
If you live near the coast, you may be able to find some driftwood which has a lot of potential for interior decor! There are a lot of options, like lamp holders, mirror frames, candle holders, planters, wall hangings, glass bowl assemblies, decorative bowls, and more. You can also look for these kinds of items on Etsy or at local markets.
7. Functional wood branches
Have you ever walked through the woods and thought, “damn, that’s a cook stick”? Next time, take it home and use it as a functional decor. Branches can be used as jewellery holders, curtain rods, wall-mounted displays, or even lamp holders! The only limitation is your imagination. You can also buy handmade products made using branches online or at markets.
8. Wood slices
Tree slices can be used as candle bases, risers, display platforms, or even coffee tables. They are also great for DIY projects like paintings, wall key holders, and other ornaments. You’ll probably have to buy these rather than find them (unless you own a chainsaw), but they can make for great multifunctional natural decor.
9. Seasonal pinecone and forest finds
Pinecones and other forest finds like nuts and branches can make cute coffee table and side table decorations. Pinecones are most often used for seasonal decorations, but you can rotate your displays with seasonal finds all year round.
10. Dried fruit and forest wall hangings
Dried fruit can make for some wonderful DIY natural decor. Dried oranges are great for this, and in combination with pinecones and cinnamon sticks, they are popular as natural Christmas decor. But other fruits like apple slices can work as well.
11. Seashells and coastal treasures
I think everyone has picked up a pretty seashell at some point in their lives. They make for wonderful decor on shelves, on bowls, or in DIY projects. Just keep in mind not to overdo collecting seashells, as they are essential to beach ecosystems, and you should not take too many. Some beaches even prohibit taking seashells home completely, so always check local guidance.
12. Collected stones and pebbles
Even something as simple as rocks and pebbles can make for beautiful decor if you get creative. Put them in glass bowls or as plant toppers to create a grounded, zen aesthetic. Collect them slowly over time to create a display of all the places you’ve travelled to!
13. Preserved moss displays
Preserved moss frames or decorative bowls with moss can add a moody, woodland feel without needing maintenance. Get them from talented artists or dry a DIY with preserved moss you can order online.
14. Nature-inspired ceramics
Handmade ceramics are always a great way to bring some authentic, natural, and characterful decor into your home. Even better if they’re shaped like nature, such as mushrooms, leaves, flowers or animals.
15. Houseplants everywhere, including bathrooms
Houseplants as part of natural decor are an obvious suggestion, but an important one. Nothing is more natural than living plants, so I have some in every room.
One overlooked room is the bathroom! It’s a place where you normally don’t place too many decorative items, but many houseplants thrive on the humidity of bathrooms. They do need some light (though not necessarily a lot), so ideally, use them in bathrooms with windows, but I’ve also seen people use grow lights as supplements.
This picture is of my own Golden Photos in my bathroom. I grew all of these 3 Photos plants from a single cutting, and the biggest one now has 3 vines that are circling all around my bathroom!
16. Nature-inspired patterns
Lastly, incorporate nature-inspired patterns in accessories, like botanical cushions, floral quilts, leaf-patterned linens, or embroidered wildflower details.
